This guest post is by Autism Speaks Blog contributor Kerry Magro. Kerry, an adult who has autism, is a junior at Seton Hall University, majoring in Sports Management. He is currently working at Autism Speaks as a writer.

Autism Speaks and NASCAR have joined once again. For the fourth consecutive year, the Autism Speaks 400 race weekend will be held at Dover International Speedway from May 14-15. The event is made possible through the strong partnership of Autism Speaks, The Dover Speedway and Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes.

As someone new to the NASCAR world, I’m very excited about the events that will be coming up. I’m transitioning from final exams at college and traveling to the glamorous world of big time motor sports. Aside from this great opportunity for me, this is a great event for Autism Speaks. Not only will the race bring awareness to the issue of autism in this nation, a percentage of the proceeds from the race will go to the cause of finding a cure.

There will be fierce competition during this race weekend. Currently, the “Chase for the Sprint Cup” is between two drivers, points leader Kevin Harvick (1467) and Jimmie Johnson (1457). Jimmie Johnson, a 4-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion could take over first with a strong performance this weekend.

All of us at Autism Speaks are looking forward to a very exciting race and will keep you updated on (via the blog) on all the events that occur during race weekend.

Why do I keep hearing this commercial on the radio in which someone is telling me that Ernie Els encourages people to learn about autism? If he really cares about autism why doesn’t he speak for himself? It seems quite lame on his part not to speak for himself. Does he think he’s too important to be bothered?

Paul, you must not know anyone with Autism. It may be VERY difficult for him to speak publicly at all about Autism, much less himself. Be kind, and learn all you can about Autism and meet someone with Autism. They will change you. My son has Autism, not severe thank goodness. I am blessed everyday because of him. I see the world in a different way. I have learned to appreciate the natural beauties of the Earth now which I seemed to take for granted before he came into my life. Educate yourself, and you will be rewarded. I love my sweet boy who tells me EVERY night, “Mom, why are you the luckiest Mommy? Because I’m your sweet boy!” It melts me every time.

PAUL,DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CAUSE OR CHARITY THAT YOU FEEL VERY STRONGLY ABOUT? IS THERE SOMETHING IN THE COMMUNITY WHERE YOU LIVE THAT YOU DEVOTE A LOT OF YOUR TIME BECAUSE YOU LIKE WHAT THEY DO AND YOU BELIEVE WHAT THEY DO IS THE RIGHT THING?

WELL THAT IS WHAT ERNIE ELS IS DOING ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE AROUND HE COUNTRY. I AM DEEPLY INVOLVED WITH THE MENTALLY ILL AND THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY. I HAVE SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF MY TIME OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS WORKING ON GETTING THE INSURANCE COMPANIES TO COVER MENTAL ILLNESS JUST LIKE THEY DO PHYSICAL ILLNESSES. YOU KNOW WHAT?, I WON. NOW PEOPLE WHO HAVE ANY KIND OF MENTAL DISORDER CAN GET THE RIGHT TREATMENT WITHOUT THE FEAR OF RUNNING OUT OF OFFICE VISIT ALLOTMENT. I AM GOING TO RETIRE WITHIN THE NEXT 5 YEARS AND AT THAT TIME I AM GOING DEVOTE MY TIME TO HELP THE ELDERLY LIVING IN NURSING HOMES. I HAVE ALREADY HELPED SOME BUT NOT LIKE THEY SHOULD BE. SO MAYBE PAUL YOU SHOULD TAKE TIME AND LOOK AROUND AT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU AND TAKE TIME TO HELP THE ONES WHO COULD USE ANOTHER PAIR OF HANDS OR A SET OF CARING EARS. JUST BECAUSE YOU DO NOT HAVE SOMETHING DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T HAVE EMPATHY FOR PEOPLE WHO DO. THINK ABOUT THAT BEFORE YOU GO SPOUTING OFF. YOU JUST MAY LEARN A LOT ABOUT PEOPLE AND YOURSELF